Varietal: Pinot Gris

One of the most versatile and interesting white wine grape varietals widely grown around the world is surely the Pinot Grigio. This grape comes in many different shades and colors, and unsurprisingly, it can also provide a remarkable range of flavors and aromas in the bottle. It is a varietal quite strongly influenced by both the terroir it is grown in, as well as by the expertise and intentions of the winery which is processing it. As such, many Pinot Grigio wines are relatively sweet, due to their high level of natural sugar. However, they can also be very dry for the same reasons, and in many countries they are aged and mellowed, resulting in beautiful tawny amber tones and a very rounded, full bodied character quite unlike white wines made from any other grape varietal.

Region: Alsace

The region of Alsace, between France and Germany, is one of the most historically and viticulturally fascinating regions in the world, and produces several famous and widely loved wines which are very much the combined essence of these two important Old World wine countries. Vintners in Alsace have had centuries to perfect their wines, made with the native grape varietals which thrive successfully in the cooler climate, and produce a range of wines which have long been considered amongst the finest in the world. Riesling, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Vert (formerly known as Tokay d'Alsace) varietal grapes are all commonly and widely grown in the region, with these particular varietals most highly prized by vintners due to their ability to express the excellence of the Alsatian terroir.

Country: France

It is widely understood and accepted that the finest wines in the world come out of France. Whether you are drinking a vintage bottle from one of the famed Grand Cru wineries of Bordeaux - such as Chateau Margaux or Chateau Lafite-Rothschild - or a more simple and affordable bottle from one of the lesser known appellations in Burgundy, the likelihood is that the wine is packed full of intense and interesting flavors, and has a fine, balanced structure typical of almost all French produce. This reputation for excellence is taken extremely serious by the French, with dozens of regularly updated laws and regulations ensuring the quality and accurate labeling of wines. Such dedication and passion for fine wine, representative of the region in which it is produced, means customers can be assured that when they buy a bottle from France, they are buying something almost certain to please and delight.